Mechanical Engineering Manager

Cohu is a global technology leader supplying test, automation, inspection and metrology products and services to the semiconductor industry. This position is based in San Diego, CA (Rancho Bernardo) and will oversee a Mechanical Engineering (ME) team responsible for the development of semiconductor test handling equipment. Drive ME processes, mentor MEs, provide leadership and innovative direction for ME designs, and provide staffing for projects. Work in concert with functional engineering leaders (product, systems, software, vision, thermal, SQA, kits and electrical engineering), operations, quality, sales, technical support, and field service to resolve issues and ensure products meet specifications, quality requirements, and are delivered on time and within budget.

Publicly traded on NASDAQ (www.cohu.com), and with more than 3000 employees worldwide, we offer a strong company culture and challenging and rewarding work experiences. We offer competitive base & incentive compensation and generous employee benefits.

We invite you to apply (5 minute condensed process) and a real human will review your resume.

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:

1. Provide leadership, coaching, guidance, mentoring, training, and performance management to ensure retention, growth and development of mechanical engineering team members and direct reports. Provide insights and ideas to enhance performance outcomes. Mentor and coach new mechanical engineers on the best-known methods (BKM) and design practices.
2. Ensure mechanical engineering projects and tasks are done to company standards, delivered on time and to the schedule with completed documentation. Review designs to ensure quality, cost and tolerances adherence to the system and customer requirements and specifications. Review design for manufacturing (DFM) for Asia manufacturing sites.
3. Oversee, develop, and streamline ME processes to ensure that MEs apply best practices in designs, design reviews, engineering analysis, and release documentation.
4. Provide support, open communication channel, and mentorship to the ME team. Communicate to direct reports and align staff on goals, business objectives and priorities.
5. Evaluate all project requirements, work with Project Managers on project scope, and provide ME staff effectively utilizing project management tools.
6. Attract, build, and retain a highly skilled, global development and support team, setting and maintaining high standards in a collaborative team environment. Hire and allocate staff as defined on the product development roadmaps
7. Work in concert and collaborate with functional engineering teams (product, systems, software, vision, thermal, SQA, kits, advance manufacturing engineering, quality and electrical engineering) to ensure project design and delivery objectives are met within resources, budget, and scheduling constraints.
8. Oversee the design review process with key stakeholders in the company and with customers. Adhere to the Product Development Process (PDP) to ensure achievement of high-quality standards and program objectives.
9. Take initiative and support strategy, architecture, and development of innovative technologies and mechanical engineering solutions. Collaborate with other business units within Cohu on product/mechanical platform engineering and Centers of Excellent (COEs) as required.
10. Review status updates on fabrication, operation, application, installation, and/or repair of handlers as it relates to design/engineering issues; identify root cause of quality engineering issues and oversee the resolution and subsequent ECOs required to resolve.
11. Function as administrative/personnel manager for direct reports. Manage and maintain engineering budget ME (Labor / Material / Travel).
12. Travel to Customer & Cohu Factory & Development Centers across Europe, Asia, USA. Travel as needed to satellite development centers to drive discipline and mechanical engineering results and outcomes on time and within budget.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required, Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering a plus.
• Requires 5 years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering—specific experience in test handling equipment, factory automation, or similar semiconductor or other equipment experience required. Development experience of major electro-mechanical systems and/or semiconductor automation equipment of similar scale required. Proven experience taking a design from concept thru to manufacturing and delivery to a customer.
• Knowledgeable of factory automation and systems engineering in the semiconductor industry a plus.
• Requires a minimum of 5 years of developmental engineering managerial experience.
• Process oriented, analytical thinker - problem solver.
• Highly organized w/excellent follow through and follow up skills.
• Results and on-time-delivery oriented individual.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and execute on a variety of duties and work requests. Self-motivated, works well under pressure with changing priorities and demanding workloads.
• Exceptional project, interpersonal, communication and people management skills. Ability to communicate ideas in both technical and user-friendly language, in both oral and written form. Experience developing and delivering technical presentations.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite of products, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, OneNote and related software tools.
• Must be proficient in SolidWorks 3D modeling and have in depth understanding of FEA simulation tools.

Job Conditions/Physical Demands: Office environment. Ability to sit for prolonged period at desk, use computer keyboard; minimal exertion. Ability to travel up to 15% of time including travel to international locations including Europe and Asia.

Protective Devices Required: In designated areas.

Cohu is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability status or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.